I’m always looking for signs that I’m on the right track—that I’ve done the right thing, made the right choice. At the end of December, I received a solid sign when an email via WordPress —thank you blog! from Coreen Larson, a producer for CBC’s The Morning Edition (Regina’s #1 morning radio show) contacted me. If this isn’t a sign of being on the right track with my book I’m not sure what is. She wanted a few minutes to chat about My List, My Rules. Uh, heck yes, I had a few minutes!!
We arranged a time and that call, I feel, was more about vetting me for a potential spot on the radio which I was totally okay with. After a few minutes, she asked if I would be able to come to the station in Regina for the Afternoon Edition on January 2nd. Uh, heck yes, I can and I did!
Bring it!
A second set of arrangements were made for the day of the interview. What a fabulous way to start 2024. I put the brakes on overthinking what to wear since this was radio after all and no one would see me!
I was met at the desk and taken to the studio where The Afternoon Edition was being recorded live. The man behind the glass was a bearded lumberjack or maybe a Viking—either way I had no issue visualizing him waving around an axe. I whispered—scared I might interfere with the show. “Is that Peter Mills?” The sound engineer affirmed. I was instantly put at ease (at least in my fantasy—by an axe-wielding man) I was about to be interviewed by this earthy-ginger beard-donning host. Amazing. Uh, heck yes I was in the right place!
Do people change
While I waited for my turn in the studio I wondered how many people listen to The Afternoon Edition. I wondered about what kind of questions would be asked. I hoped I didn’t fuck it up, or even say the word fuck. And, to be honest, cussing was my biggest worry. I thought if I was even a little nervous I could pretend I was talking to my class of teenagers because for the most part, they don’t really listen. But, I didn’t have to. I wasn’t that nervous.
I got thinking—about change. I believe that some people can change but it’s a shit ton of work. I was a quiet, insecure kid and an even more insecure teen. I didn’t want to talk—at all. I worked hard in university to overcome my shyness and low self-esteem. I mean it’s hard to teach if you’re shy. And, with a lot of daily practice talking to kids and parents, I became part of the changed—no longer shy.
Now, in a solid 180-degree shift I can say that I am 100% comfortable talking to almost any group—big or small. Being on the radio was a thrill. I hoped there were a lot of people listening to me while they were driving home. Or working. Or preparing supper. Or having coffee and I hoped that they were entertained with that short little interview I had. I hope I made them smile or got them thinking about their own list—that their curiosity was piqued enough to check out my book.
So to the younger shy me, I say “Good for you miss! You did it! You’ve come a long way—trotted down the path of life looking this way and that for some self-assurance and some self-love. You’ve tossed away that asshole full of criticism. Today in particular, at the radio station (and most other days) you’ve seen that your voice has so much validity.
Good for you, fuck!
Here I am in the studio with Peter Mills.
Where to listen
If you’d like to listen to my interview type CBC Afternoon Edition with Peter Mills into your search bar. Once that comes up, drop “My List, My Rules” into that search and you will find the interview. Unfortunately, I am unable to share it directly no thanks to new legislation but it’s a fun listen—and I do have permission from the producers to share it any way I can. I think the interview gives an authentic sense of who I am. It’s just under ten minutes long. Again, maybe it will inspire you to think of your own personal list, or maybe it will encourage you to finish a list you’ve already started.
Take away
My takeaway from January 2nd is that I love talking on air. It felt natural to speak publically. I realize how much I have grown—and if anyone has a podcast or a radio program and wants to have a chit-chat for a few minutes or an hour—about personal growth, goals, or living a passionate life that’s a pretty good time—don’t forget about me. I’ve always got thoughts on this.
As always, thank you for reading lovelies.
And in this case, hopefully, listening.
Angie Counios 
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